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Posted: April 22, 2007

Iranians enjoyed nanotechnology 3000 years ago...?

(Nanowerk News) Something definitely doesn't read quite right in this press release by Iran's Cultural Heritage News Agency (CHN), like this sentence: "...we concluded that our ancestors were one of the pioneers of nanotechnology...". They are talking about ancestors 3000 years ago; and they seem to be quite serious about this statement.

After 20 years, studies of Iranian researchers in Tchogha Zanbil and Pasargadae historical sites led into tracing nanotechnology in these two World Heritage Sites. According to researchers, implementing nanotechnology in these monuments is the main reason for their 3000-year-old survival. Researchers also believe that the special atomic combination which was used in this technique caused some difference between the elements of Tchogha Zanbil with its surrounding natural elements.

“We started our researches since 20 years ago. Through the tests conducted on some historical sites including Tchogha Zanbil and Pasargadae, we concluded that our ancestors were one of the pioneers of nanotechnology, who implemented this technique in their structures,” said Mansour Afrazeh, scientist researcher to CHN.

According to Afrazeh, two nanotechnology techniques were implemented in Tchogha Zanbil ziggurat including nanoparticles which attract harmful rays from mobiles which are employed in structures, and nanoparticles which are used in colors.

He further explained that Iranians succeeded in inventing a new atomic order in Tchogha Zanbil some 3000 years ago which was quite different with the natural elements of its surrounding area.

The studies further revealed that contrary to previous beliefs, what connected the metal part of monuments in Pasargadae historical site to the stones were not bronze joints but it was the new metal’s atomic structure. This new technique is considered very important in strengthening the monument and its long term survival.

“Today many developed countries such as the United States and Japan are using this high technique for making a protective covers in an attempt to reduce the harmful effects of mobile rays on users’ brains. An apparent similarity can be seen between this technique and what was practiced during the first millennium BC in Tchogha Zanbil,” added Afrazeh.

Regarding the implementation of this technique in Tchogha Zanbil, Afrazeh added: “most probably this cover was used in holy chambers and the music halls of this monument.”

Located in Iranian southwestern province of Khuzestan, 30 kilometers south-west of Susa, the ruins of the holy city of Elamite Kingdom, surrounded by three huge concentric walls is found at Tchogha Zanbil. Founded 1250 BC, the city remained unfinished after it was invaded by Ashurbanipal, as shown by the thousands of unused bricks left at the site.

The large Tchogha Zanbil temple is one of the ancient monuments of Iran which has been registered on UNESCO World Heritage List. The architectural style employed in the ziggurat resembles those of Egyptian pyramids and Mayan temples. The Tchogha Zanbil ziggurat is the only surviving ziggurat in Iran and is one of the most important remnants of the Elamite civilization.